Cruise, Waymo await decisions on self-driving service in San Francisco

Both have expended substantial financial and operational resources preparing for widespread commercial deployments in San Francisco. But the commission has twice delayed decisions on their respective applications in recent months amid an increasing backlash on self-driving vehicles, resistance from labor unions and concern about the cars' performance in interactions with emergency responders. Further delays or an outright rejection of their applications would have implications not only for continued AV developments in San Francisco, but could affect how self-driving vehicles are perceived and regulated in other markets. But, he said, "granting permission leads to a reasonable expectation that, without consequences, the current chaotic disruption of San Francisco roads will metastasize throughout the state." Whether the commissioners evaluate the performance of the individual companies or lump them together as they consider the applications remains one unknown headed into Thursday's meeting.